Almost everyone would agree that the first impression of a home begins at the curbside. Because a home’s garage is highly visible from a considerable distance, a new garage door makes a substantial difference in the overall aesthetic appeal of essentially any dwelling. If you are searching for ways to make your property more attractive, while at the same time adding to its value, consider installing new garage doors, or better yet hire a professional who can do it right the first time.
What Home Improvement Experts Have to Say
Because your garage typically accounts for 20-40 percent of the total square footage of your home, it is a feature that should never be overlooked. Garage doors are a selling point for virtually all homes, and the kind of door you install can play a vital role in the overall value of your property.
Home improvement experts state that those who replace old, outdated garage door units with new, attractive models will recoup approximately 75 percent of their investment if the property is ever sold, and this can translate into a significant difference in potential list price when you go to market. This is likely because curb appeal is particularly essential when you are planning to sell a home: if prospective buyers do not like the view from the street, there is a great likelihood they will not even bother to see the interior. This makes it clear once again why first impressions are extremely important. Once a prospective buyer drives away, he or she is unlikely to return.
Carriage Garage Doors Improve Value and Create Wow Factor!
Carriage style garage doors have experienced a surge in popularity among many homeowners. If you are like most consumers, you have probably seen at least one home in your neighborhood that features doors of this type. True swing style carriage garage doors operate in a similar manner to a pair of large French doors. They are usually made from wood and hang on hinges from jams. They are very attractive, with strong vertical lines that help to blend the garage doors with the rest of your home’s exterior, and may further add to the value of your property if you choose this model.
Increasing Value with the Right Garage Door Materials
After the decision has been made to install new garage doors, the next thing you should do is consider materials. There is a vast array of options from which to choose, including wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl, and fiberglass. This decision will depend on aspects such as your personal budget, as well as your individual taste.
Wood is a versatile material and is associated with a virtually unlimited number of options when it comes to detailing and design. Essentially any strong wood can be used to fashion such doors, but some of the most popular are redwood, hemlock and cedar. Another current trend favored among many homeowners is to match the garage door’s wood with that of the home’s exterior. However, it is important to understand that wood doors require regular maintenance to ensure they remain attractive.
If your primary concern is durability, consider an aluminum or steel garage door. Such materials are associated with exceptional longevity, and rarely warp or dent. Fiberglass doors are also less likely to sustain damage than vinyl or wood. They are typically available in a broad range of colors, and do not require a high level of maintenance.
Vinyl is a cost-effective option that you may wish to consider. Most vinyl doors look similar to their fiberglass counterparts, but may not be available in as many shades. One of the best benefits associated with vinyl doors is the fact that they are virtually maintenance free.
Garage Door Insulation Adds Home Value
If you choose to install an insulated garage door, this can further increase the home’s value. Energy efficiency is almost always a concern of prospective buyers, and being able to tell them that such features are already in place can go a long way in making your home stand out from the competition.
The Importance of Hiring a Garage Door Professional
Installing the aforementioned doors is a job for professionals. Even if you are handy with do-it-yourself projects, this is one task that should always be handled by an expert. It does little or no good to invest a substantial amount of money into a new garage door only to discover that the unit was not installed properly, and additional work or repairs are needed. Instead, place the project in the hands of a professional, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing the work was properly completed. If you choose to invest in quality garage doors, you will likely be very happy with the beauty and value they add to your home.